Luxembourg officials praise Pope's decision to step down

Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker and Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich were the first Luxembourgish officials to express a profound respect as well as appraise the decision by Pope Benedict XVI to step down.

11.02.2013

(RM/AFP) Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker and Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich were the first Luxembourgish officials to express a profound respect as well as appraise the decision by Pope Benedict XVI to step down.

Luxembourg's Archbishop admitted in a conference that he was in shock when he received the news but indicated that the Pope's decision to step down at the end of the month shows the exquisite judgement and the great intellect that Pope Benedict XVI has.

Pope Benedict XVI a man of faith and reason

''Pope Bendict XVI has always been a person to balance faith and reason in all his actions and decisions'', said Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich.

Pope Benedict XVI was described by Luxembourg's Archbishop as a man who cared for and listened to the catholic people. In both his speeches and writings, the Pope revealed a strong affinity for modern-thinking and innovation and the Catholic Church should long benefit from his expertise, said Archbishop Hollerich in an official statement.

Meanwhile, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, told DNR that the announcement took him by surprise but nonetheless, ''the Luxembourgish government takes into account the decision with great respect."

Aged 85, the Pope said his decision to resign on February 28 was reached because his strength of mind and body had deteriorated to the extent that ''I have had to recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me," Pope Benedict XVI explained on Monday.

Pope Benedict XVI deserves respect and admiration

Luxembourg's Prime Minister said that the news indicated that the Pope is a man like any other, who knows his limits and takes action accordingly.

The Pope's announcement deserves to be treated with respect and admiration, concluded Jean-Claude Juncker.

Pope Benedict had hinted in a book of interviews in 2010 that he might resign if he felt he was no longer able to carry out his duties.

The Vatican said it expected a new pope would be elected next month.

"We should have a new pope for Easter," Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi told reporters, saying a conclave could be held within 15 or 20 days of the resignation.